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Top tips to spot newts

Whether you're an amateur naturalist or just someone who enjoys wildlife, spotting newts can be a rewarding experience. Here are our top tips to help you find these elusive creatures.

A young smooth newt with brown colouring rests on wood on dry land. A young smooth newt with brown colouring rests on wood on dry land.

7 tips to spot newts

Want to spot these native dragons for yourself? Follow our seven tips to spot newts and take care not to disturb them.

1. Choose the right time

Newts are most active during their breeding season when they return to the water. If you want to glimpse these creatures, head to our canals between February and July.

2. Know what to look for

The UK is home to three native newt species: the smooth newt, the palmate newt, and the great crested newt. These amphibians have distinctive shapes, but it can help if you know what you're looking for.

Remember that it's illegal to disturb great crested newts and their habitats.

3. Find where the newts live

Look for newts in freshwater habitats like canals, ponds, lakes, ditches, and slow-moving streams. They prefer still or slow-moving water with plenty of vegetation.

4. Head out after dark

They are nocturnal animals, so dawn and dusk are the best times to observe them, as they are more likely to be out in the open performing their courtship dances. Find a safe place to stand on the land where you can see the open water during daylight and, when night falls, watch them dance by torchlight.

Remember to take care and be safe when around water, especially at night.

A great crested newt, brown with dark brown spots, a large thick tail, and a raised crest along its back, swims through underwater plants.

5. Use a torch at night

Shine a light along the edges of the canal, pond, or stream to catch a glimpse of their reflective eyes or distinctive shapes.

Be careful to use a low brightness, and don't shine the torch directly at the newts as it can damage their skin. Use a red light or cover tissue paper over the light to dim its beam.

6. Be quiet

Noise will likely scare the newt away. To make your venture as successful as possible, wear quiet shoes and clothing – avoid waterproofs that rustle – and refrain from talking.

7. Be patient and move slowly

Newts are sensitive to vibrations and sudden movements. Approach potential habitats quietly and move slowly to avoid scaring them away.

Family nature guide 2019

Download your free nature guide

Identify footprints and read fascinating facts about the creatures who make their homes along our canals and rivers

Last Edited: 07 November 2024

photo of a location on the canals
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